Melioidosis outbreak in Queensland claims more lives

Health officials are advising residents of Far North Queensland to be cautious when coming into contact with soil and muddy water, following several deaths from melioidosis in the region after recent heavy rain and flooding.

Melioidosis is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which lives in soil and mud. Heavy rainfall and flooding can bring the bacterium to the surface, while is why the disease is prevalent in tropical areas. Infection occurs when skin abrasions or wounds come into contact with contaminated soil or water, such as during gardening or assisting with flood clean-up activities.

While Tropical Public Health Services Cairns Director Dr Richard Gair noted that melioidosis is “very uncommon in healthy adults, and rarely seen in children”, it can occur in people with diabetes, kidney problems or lung problems, as well as people on medication that lowers their immune system. It is an aggressive disease that causes death in up to 50% of untreated cases and up to 20% of treated cases, so early recognition and treatment are hugely important.

“Symptoms of acute melioidosis may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing; the effects can be very severe and often require hospitalisation,” Gair said.

Cairns and Townsville have recorded 53 and 34 cases of the disease, respectively, since 1 January, which is extremely high for this time of the year. The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has confirmed that nine people in the region have died from melioidosis, while in Townsville the death toll stands at three.

There is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis. During the wet season, northern Queensland residents, particularly those with an underlying medical condition, should take the following precautions:

• Wear protective footwear when outdoors.
• Wear gloves while working in environments such as gardens and farms.
• Cover abrasions and sores with waterproof dressings.
• Wash thoroughly (preferably shower) after exposure to soil or muddy water, and after working outdoors.
• Diabetics should maintain optimal foot care, with help from a podiatrist if necessary.
   

“If anyone has noticed non-healing wounds or persistent fevers over several weeks, then they should be seen by their GP and checked for this infection, as it can require prolonged antibiotic treatment,” Gair said.

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